Wrappy Hour: The Packaging Podcast

Episode 26: Weighing in with Cabinplant (feat. Lars Ryholl - CEO & Henning Henson - R&D Director)

In this special episode of Wrappy Hour, we sit down with two leading experts at Cabinplant: Lars Ryholl - CEO, and Henning Ipsen - Director of R&D, to explore the innovations shaping the future of multihead weighing and batching. As leaders in precision processing technology, Cabinplant has built a global reputation for helping food manufacturers maximize yield, reduce giveaway, and achieve consistent quality across a wide range of applications. Together with Harpak-ULMA, Cabinplant’s solutions take on new power through seamless integration with downstream packaging formats like flow wrap, tray seal, and thermoforming. Lars and Henning share how this partnership strengthens the single-source supplier model, simplifies operations, and unlocks higher ROI for processors navigating labor shortages, cost pressures, and evolving consumer demands. From the evolution of smart batching to customer success stories and the role of weighing in sustainability strategies, this episode offers actionable insights for any food producer looking to improve efficiency and reduce waste. Tune in to discover why advanced weighing systems are no longer a luxury, but a necessity, in modern packaging. New episodes of Wrappy Hour release the first Thursday of every month - listen on our website (harpak-ulma.com) or check out our available players there! Also be sure to follow Harpak-ULMA on LinkedIn for more content and some behind-the-scenes action from the podcast! Please note the views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Harpak-ULMA or its employees.

Episode 25: Film, Freshness, & Future-Proofing (feat. Brian Macri, Belmark)

In this episode of Wrappy Hour, we sit down with Brian Macri, Product Specialist at Belmark, to explore the critical role of lidding film in fresh produce packaging. With decades of expertise in material science and close collaboration with growers, retailers, and packaging OEMs, Brian brings a unique perspective on how film innovation shapes both shelf life and consumer experience. From the evolution of top-seal lidding film to retailer-driven demands for appearance, freshness, and sustainability, Brian breaks down the challenges and opportunities facing today’s produce industry. We also dive into the importance of aligning machine, tray, and film performance - and how strategic partnerships can unlock new levels of efficiency, product appeal, and waste reduction. Whether you’re a grower, retailer, or processor, this episode offers an inside look at how smarter film choices can help you meet modern packaging demands and stay ahead in a rapidly changing market. New episodes of Wrappy Hour release the first Thursday of every month - listen on our website (harpak-ulma.com) or check out our available players there! Also be sure to follow Harpak-ULMA on LinkedIn for more content and some behind-the-scenes action from the podcast! Please note the views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Harpak-ULMA or its employees.

Episode 24: Thermoforming 201 with Ken Forziati

In this episode of Wrappy Hour, we sit down once again with Ken Forziati, Thermoforming Product Manager at Harpak-ULMA, to unpack the evolving world of thermoform packaging. With a deep background in packaging films and a sharp eye for solution-driven innovation, Ken shares his perspective on how thermoforming is helping food and medical manufacturers meet modern demands for sustainability, automation, and performance. From format flexibility and material efficiency to tooling strategies and smart automation, Ken walks us through the advantages of thermoforming—and where it fits in a competitive packaging landscape. Whether you're new to the format or looking to level up your line, this episode is packed with insights into why thermoforming remains a cornerstone for producers navigating cost pressures, labor shortages, and changing consumer expectations. New episodes of Wrappy Hour release the first Thursday of every month - listen on our website (harpak-ulma.com) or check out our available players there! Also be sure to follow Harpak-ULMA on LinkedIn for more content and some behind-the-scenes action from the podcast! Please note the views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Harpak-ULMA or its employees.

Episode 23: Setting Your Sights on Vision Inspection Systems

Unlock the secrets to boosting efficiency and sustainability in the packaging industry with vision systems. Join our enlightening discussion featuring industry leaders Spencer Thomas from Harpak-ULMA and Lindsey Sullivan from CCS America. Together, we dissect the transformative power of vision systems, from enhancing operational efficiency to ensuring product reliability. Discover how Lindsay transitioned from engineering to technical marketing and the crucial role that lighting plays in machine vision, while Spencer shares insider knowledge on integrating vision systems with thermoforming and tray sealing equipment. Get ready to explore the cutting-edge world of high-resolution imaging as we tackle the balance between resolution needs and performance criteria. Spencer and Lindsey enlighten us on the challenges and benefits of using 4K and 8K cameras, and why it's vital to define project scope early in the design process. Uncover the intricacies of retrofitting vision systems in precision-driven industries like medical packaging and learn about the common pitfalls that could derail your vision system projects. Dive into the future of vision systems and learn how these technologies improve product quality, customer perception, and operational efficiency. We delve into the role of data-driven vision systems in predictive maintenance and product compliance. Spencer and Lindsay also shed light on the importance of lighting choices and operator training, making complex systems more approachable. Finally, anticipate upcoming trends in AI, machine learning, and 3D vision technologies, as we envision a future where connected ecosystems enable seamless manufacturing integration. New episodes of Wrappy Hour release the first Thursday of every month - listen on our website (harpak-ulma.com) or check out our available players there! Also be sure to follow Harpak-ULMA on LinkedIn for more content and some behind-the-scenes action from the podcast! Please note the views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Harpak-ULMA or its employees.

Episode 22: A Retrospective on Retail (ft. Judson Armentrout)

Join us for an insightful discussion with Judson Armentrout, a seasoned Retail Packaging Consultant with a long history at one of the countries largest grocers, as we dive into key topics such as: 🔹 Career Journey: From Case Ready Coordinator at Kroger to his current role, Judson shares his wealth of experience in the retail packaging industry. 🔹 Packaging Evaluation: Discover what customers truly care about in packaging and how retailers can make informed decisions. 🔹 Retail Resistance: Understand why new packaging formats often face resistance and how to navigate the change curve in retail. 🔹 Financial Hurdles: Learn strategies to overcome the costs of testing new packaging formats and gain executive buy-in. 🔹 Future Trends: Explore the future of retail packaging, including innovations for pickup and quick list services. 🔹 Real-World Examples: Hear about real case studies and the lessons learned from Judson’s experience. Don't miss out on this episode packed with valuable insights for retailers and packaging professionals alike. Tune in now to catch the full conversation! New episodes of Wrappy Hour release the first Thursday of every month - listen on our website (harpak-ulma.com) or check out our available players there! Also be sure to follow Harpak-ULMA on LinkedIn for more content and some behind-the-scenes action from the podcast! Please note the views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Harpak-ULMA or its employees.